(P.S. please let me know if I’m being a bit over the top with certain thematic elements. Wanted to make it kinda clear what various characters are going for, but I am worried I’m overdoing it. Thoughts on that one would be nice.)
Title: @@NAME@@'s Bark Worse Than Its Byte?
Validity: Autarky, Video Games
Description: The people of @@NAME@@ have entered an absolute craze over a new video game by @@DENONYM@@ game designer @@RANDOMNAME@@. Much to the chagrin of @@NAME@@'s policies forbidding the export of products, people of other nations have dared to enjoy the game as well.
[box]Option 1: "We need to show these clowns that we are NOT to be messed with!" shouts mountain of a man and thankfully retired general @@RANDOMNAME@@. "This game is our rightful property, and they’ve just stolen it like a princess from our castle. Demand that every other nation and their citizens hand over any and all versions of the game, or they’ll be eating our mortars!"
Effect: foreigners using @@DENONYM@@ made chess boards are quickly ended by the military’s secret combo
Option 2: "Surely we’re not that upset about a few silly trade regulations, right?” nervously chuckles @@RANDOMNAME@@, the game creator responsible for all the unsanctioned fun. “I mean, would it really be that bad if I could kee- I mean, start selling my game to foreigners? More money in my pocket means I can spend more money on pure @@DENONYM@@ goods! It will all trickle down to the people eventually I’m sure.”
Effect: the nation’s foreign policy is directed wherever the cash is greener
Option Validity: Has private markets
Option 3: "Surely we’re not that upset about a few silly trade regulations, right?” nervously chuckles @@RANDOMNAME@@, the game creator responsible for all the unsanctioned fun. “I mean, I know we take this whole ‘autarky’ business seriously, but I- I mean, we have a great opportunity here! Why not just have the government sell the game to foreigners? They can use the profits to fund government projects like welfare or my personal satisfaction. What could be more true to the socialist spirit?”
Effect: the nation’s moral compass points wherever the cash is greener
Option Validity: Does not have private markets
Option 4: "You guys are being total killjoys,” whines your acne-covered nephew. “This game rocks! We shouldn’t be trying to punish people for playing it or try to gatekeep it with a price tag, we should be helping as many people as possible get their hands on it. Plus, if we give the game away to foreigners for free, we can maintain our economic independence and keep our autarky! Win win, right?”
Effect: the extensive foreign aid program is quick to give starving children the latest video games